Form I-20

What is an I-20? The I-20 is a multi-purpose document issued by a government approved, U.S. educational institution certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and that the student has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the U.S. The I-20 is officially titled the “Certificate of Eligibility” because with it, a student is “eligible” to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. A student’s spouse or children will also each need their own I-20 to obtain F-2 dependent status, if desired.Getting the I-20 from a U.S. school is not enough to obtain legal F-1 student status; entry into the U.S. with the right documents or approval for a change of visa status from another type of non immigrant visa is required.How is the I-20 created?After a school completes their admissions process, the admitted students’ names and other biographic information are entered into a U.S. government database called SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). The SEVIS database processes the information and produces an I-20. The school official (called the Designated School Official or DSO) prints and signs the I-20 and then delivers it to the student. If a student needs to update or change information on the I-20, the DSO makes these requests through SEVIS to produce a new document.How is the I-20 used by the student outside the USA?After receiving an I-20 from thier school, international studenta must make an appointment to apply for the F-1 visa at the local U.S. embassy or consulate in their country (the visa is needed to be allowed entry into the U.S. in F-1 status).  Students must present both the F-1 visa and the I-20 to a U.S. Immigration inspector upon arrival in the USA.How is the I-20 used by a student inside the US?Once a student has arrived in the U.S. and passed through the border inspections process (either at an airport, seaport or land border), the I-20 is used as identification purposes and proof of legal and academic status. Typically, students must show their I-20 at the Social Security Office and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The I-20 is also shown to employers in the hiring process for on or off-campus employment. Off campus employment information and/or authorization will be printed on page 3 of your I-20.Traveling with the I-20If traveling abroad, students must take their I-20 with them. The I-20 is required to reapply for a visa (if needed) and for re-entering the US. Before departure from the U.S., students should verify that the travel endorsement from their international advisor at their school on page 3 of the I-20 is unexpired. This signature is valid for one year for multiple visits outside the U.S.  In most cases, a travel endorsement can be done quickly and easily at the school office; however, students should plan ahead and get their travel endorsement several weeks before departing the U.S. to avoid the holiday rush.Page 2 of the I-20Page 2 of the I-20 lists immigration regulations governing the F-1 status. It is important that F-1 students read this page to understand the rules that apply to their stay in the U.S.I-20 Completion DateThe “completion date” is entered into item #5 on page 1 of the I-20 based on a student’s particular major and degree level. This is an estimate of time the school feels it may take to fulfill all degree requirements. However, if a student is not able to finish the program on that date, an extension must be requested from the school.According to U.S. immigration regulations, the “completion date” is defined as the day final degree requirements are completed.  The actual completion date may not necessarily be the day of the graduation ceremony or the date on the I-20 (In fact, many students actually finish their degree requirements before the completion date on their I-20).Undergraduate StudentsThe completion date is considered to be the last day of final exams of the semester degree requirements are fulfilled.Graduate StudentsThe completion date is the day on which all degree requirements are fulfilled, such as filing the thesis or dissertation in the Graduate Division.  If there is no research component to the degree program (such as in the MBA program or other professional schools), the completion date would be the last day of final exams of the semester degree requirements are fulfilled.The 60-day Grace PeriodWhen students completes a study program, they are allowed a 60-day grace period to either 1) depart the U.S., 2) request a school transfer, or 3) change visa status.Students who are interested in working in the U.S. following their program completion must apply for optional practical training work authorization before the expiration of the 60 day grace period.Does Everyone Need an I-20?Some international students do not need I-20s. If a student is maintaining another nonimmigrant status other than F status in the U.S., an 1-20 is not needed. Dependent children in E, H, I, J, L, M, N, 0, P, R, or S status need to change status after their 21st birthday. You should check with your school International Student Advisor for information about changing visa status.GoUSA!– MikeAll information presented here is from my personal research and my attempts to save you time and money when pursuing your dream of coming to the USA to study. Do not take any of this information as LEGAL advice – I am not an attorney, nor do I play one on TV. This information is gathered from a variety of sources including many U.S. Government websites and I urge you to validate this information as much as possible, just as I do when posting on this blog.